Childhood exposure to traumatic events is a major public health problem in the United States. Traumatic events can include witnessing or experiencing physical or sexual abuse, violence in families and communities, loss of a loved one, refugee and war experiences, living with a family member whose caregiving ability is impaired, and having a life-threatening injury or illness. It is estimated that 26% of children in the United States will witness or experience a traumatic event before the age of 4 years. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost 60% of American adults say that they endured abuse or other difficult family circumstances during childhood. Research has shown that exposure to traumatic events early in life can have many negative effects throughout childhood and adolescence, and into adulthood. The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) study found a strong relationship between traumatic events experienced in childhood as reported in adulthood and chronic physical illness such as heart disease, and mental health problems such as depression. The annual financial burden to society of childhood abuse and trauma is estimated to be $103 billion. This short report discusses the prevalence of exposure to traumatic events among children and youth participating in two Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration initiatives, the problems that trauma can cause, and available treatments that can help children and youth recover.